Cedars Caravan Park in Ballina could be demolished for $24.4m precinct near Big Prawn

A developer wants to demolish a Ballina caravan park to build a huge new project just 600m from the iconic Big Prawn. Check out what’s planned.

An image previewing the proposed development.

A property developer wants to bulldoze a caravan park in West Ballina to build a $24.4 million “local village” just 600 metres from the iconic Big Prawn.

Interstate property developer CADRE is seeking to create the new commerce precinct on River St and Barlows Rd in West Ballina.

The project would include a “modern mix” of space for business, light industrial use and office spaces.

The development would also feature 44 “live-work” units with businesses on the ground floor and homes on the top floor.

There would be 10 light industry units, four business and office premises, and a “commercial core” with more businesses, and a central food and drink spot.

The proposed development on the corner of River St and Barlows Rd, West Ballina.

Project architect Myers Ellyett said the proposed development would be a “local village” where “contemporary life, work and community can coexist”.

He said it was easier than ever to do business in regional areas in modern times.

“Nowadays, the distance from major commerce centres carries little consequence for contemporary businesses as they can thrive given the ease of exposure to the wider local and international markets via the internet and social media,” he said.

The flagged site is currently occupied by Cedars Caravan Park, which would be bulldozed during major earthworks – if Ballina Shire Council approves the development.

Another image of the $24.4m project.

Ballina Shire Councillor Kiri Dicker said Cedars Caravan park used to be a refuge for people on low incomes struggling to afford housing in Ballina before it closed.

“It's been one of the few places where people low income individuals, people who are struggling in Ballina can afford to live,” she said.

Ms Dicker said Ballina was in dire need of social and affordable housing and the van park should be replaced with an affordable housing project.

“It's just yet another piece of vacant land that we’re going to lose for more housing that won’t be within reach of the vast majority of residents of Ballina,” she said.

However, town planner Stephen Connelly said the proposed site presented an opportunity to “reinvigorate” West Ballina and provided “well needed housing”.

“The conceptual idea of a “local village’ emanates from this new paradigm, where a village, centred around active and multi-use garden spaces can exist as a community of vastly different uses,” he said.

A look at the proposed development.

“Tech companies and professional suites through to grocers, coffee shops, and fashion boutiques.

“The spaces ‘in-between’ buildings become meeting rooms, (leading to) accidental social interactions or spaces for commerce to thrive.

Ballina Shire Councillor Rod Bruem said he was open minded regarding the development and looking forward to discussing the proposal on its merits when it came before council.

“Its an important gateway site into Ballina and it’s a bit of an eyesore at the moment … I look forward to seeing (the site) improved from what it is and hopefully providing some badly needed housing.”

Ballina Shire Councillor Cr Rod Bruem said he was open minded regarding the development and looking forward to discussing it on its merits when it came before council.

The proposed mixed-use development would have vehicle access via a two-way driveway exiting and entering onto both River St and Barlows Rd.

It would have dozens of car spaces, including unrestricted public visitor parks.